"Some degree of mental deficiency seems usually to accompany
athetosis, even when uncomplicated by any other degenerating
neurosis. Athetoid symptoms of an aggravated character, involving
both upper and both lower extremities, had developed previous to
her admission into this hospital, but it was impossible to find
out when and how they began. She had never had, to the knowledge
of her friends, an attack of 'apoplexy,' nor of paralysis. The
head was symmetric, and without scars thereon. The pedal
extremities involuntarily assumed various distorted positions and
were constantly in motion. The toes were usually in a state of
tonic spasm,--contracted, and drawn downward or extended,
pointing upward, and slightly separated. Irregular alternate
extension and flexion of the toes were marked. The feet were
moved upon the ankles in a stiff and awkward manner. During these
'complex involuntary movements,' the muscles of the calf became
hard and rigid. The act of walking was accomplished with
considerable difficulty, on account of contractures, and because
the feet were not exactly under the control of the will. The
unnatural movements of the hands corresponded to those of the
lower extremities, though they were more constant and active.
Pages:
1690
1691
1692
1693
1694
1695
1696
1697
1698
1699
1700
1701
1702
1703
1704
1705
1706
1707
1708
1709
1710
1711
1712
1713
1714